eLearning: Association, NOUN to host conference on digital education

The Open, Distance and eLearning Association of Nigeria (ODeLAN), in collaboration with the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), will host the 2025 International Conference focused on reshaping the future of digital education.

It was reported that the conference, slated in Abuja from May 14 to 16, is the third of its kind.

During a virtual press briefing on Thursday, Prof. Christine Ofulue, Director of Research and Training at NOUN, stated that the conference would adopt a hybrid format to maximise accessibility for participants.

Ofulue said that the conference, themed “Adaptive Pedagogies for the Future of Education: Connecting Learners, Technologies and Communities”, would host approximately 300 participants.

It is to strengthen the field of Open and Distance Learning (ODL).

According to her, the conference is not limited to researchers in tertiary institutions but also welcomes participants from primary and secondary education sectors.

“ODL is a specialised field that involves the development and delivery of curriculum using technology.

“However, beyond the use of technology, if we fail to select appropriate teaching and learning designs, methods, or models, we will achieve little.

“This conference will not only focus on the development of technologies but also on how teaching methods and learning contexts are designed to be effective.

“Additionally, the conference is not restricted to higher education but extends to primary and secondary education, offering insights into digital assessment for both learners and teachers,” she added.

She further noted that the conference would provide a platform for exchanging ideas and improving the quality of teaching for students.

On the legal framework surrounding ODL, Ofulue said “There are still significant efforts needed to put in place policies that address the ethical issues around ODL”.

She emphasised the importance of the conference in navigating innovative approaches to content design that benefit both learners and educators.

“The conference encapsulates our collective mission to reshape learning in an evolving landscape of emerging technologies and diverse learner communities. It addresses access, development, and environmental sustainability.

“In this context, focusing on adaptive pedagogies that leverage appropriate and emerging technologies is vital for fostering inclusive and sustainable educational practices.

“By connecting learners and impacting communities, we can create a holistic educational ecosystem that personalises learning experiences, equips learners with 21st-century skills, and ensures no one is left behind,” she said.

She stressed that the event would serve as a platform for educators, researchers, policymakers, and industry innovators to exchange ideas and engage in discussions that shape the future of education.

Keynote speakers at the conference will include Prof. Peter Scott, President of the Commonwealth of Learning, Canada; Prof. Mpine Makoe, Executive Dean of the College of Education, University of South Africa (UNISA).

Also, Prof. Tayo Arulogun, Vice-Chancellor of Miva Open University, will speak at the conference.